Inaugural award ceremony for students in Nigeria

22 May 2017

On Friday 19 May the British Council and Cambridge International Examinations hosted the inaugural British Council Recognition and Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards in Lagos, Nigeria.The event recognised the outstanding achievements of students in Nigeria in the November 2015 and June 2016 Cambridge exam series, and commended British Council partner schools that exemplify best practice in equality, diversity, inclusion and child protection.

Fifty-eight students received awards at the ceremony, including eight students who won prestigious 'Top in the World' awards for gaining the highest standard mark in the world in a single subject (pictured). A further 49 students won 'Top in Nigeria' awards and three students received ‘Best Across’ awards for attaining the highest cumulative total standard marks over a set number of subjects.

Juan Visser, Cambridge Regional Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, said: 'We are very proud of the performance of our Cambridge learners in Nigeria. Their outstanding achievements not only reflect their determination and passion to succeed but also indicate the immense dedication and commitment of Cambridge teachers.'

Honour Olatunji, a student from Greensprings School in Lagos who received a ‘Top in the World’ award in Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (Without Coursework), said: 'Finding out about my award did not just make me joyful but also increased my love and passion for mathematics. I found the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum very interesting because it is skills-based and makes you think critically. It was really helpful in exposing and preparing me to do well at school and university in the future. Also, I enjoyed the privilege of being taught by highly competent and committed teachers. I plan on applying to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Stanford University to study Electrical/Electronic Engineering.'

Komolafe Ikeoluwa Hossana, a student from Lifeforte International School who received a ‘Top in the World’ award for Cambridge O Level Religious Studies (Bible Knowledge), said: 'I found the Cambridge programme rigorous and thorough in its approach to topics. As I became familiar with it, I understood its core demands and began to enjoy using it as a tool to enhance critical thinking through a broad spectrum of ideas and perspectives. I am looking forward to going to university where I intend to study law.'

Connie Price, Director, British Council, Nigeria, said: 'At the British Council, we believe in recognising excellence and enabling young people to achieve their dreams. An important element of our strategic partnership with Cambridge International Examinations is this inaugural awards ceremony which not only recognises outstanding Cambridge learners but also partner schools that exemplify best practice policies in equality, diversity, inclusion and child protection.'